Kenya expels Zimbabwean lawyer over alleged role in protest mobilisation
The Eastleigh Voice Kenya has deported Zimbabwean constitutional lawyer Brian Bright Kagoro after security agencies accused him of involvement in a foreign-supported network allegedly seeking to stir anti-government protests. Kagoro, 51, was stopped by immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday evening and declared persona non grata before being put on a return flight. […] The post Kenya expels Zimbabwean lawyer over alleged role in protest mobilisation appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
The Eastleigh Voice
Kenya has deported Zimbabwean constitutional lawyer Brian Bright Kagoro after security agencies accused him of involvement in a foreign-supported network allegedly seeking to stir anti-government protests.
Kagoro, 51, was stopped by immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday evening and declared persona non grata before being put on a return flight.
Authorities said he was questioned for several hours before the decision to expel him was made.
Officials familiar with the matter said the move followed months of investigations into what security agencies described as coordinated attempts to mobilise political activism using foreign funding.
They said the deportation is seen as part of a tougher approach toward non-citizens suspected of participating in Kenya’s political processes.
Security sources further claimed that Kagoro had travelled to Nairobi several times in 2025 and was allegedly involved in private meetings with some activists.
They further alleged that he indicated plans to mobilise roughly Sh150 million ($1.2 million) for programmes aimed at strengthening protest movements.
Authorities further claim that the alleged funding was intended to revive the wave of youth-led demonstrations seen in 2024, which led to the withdrawal of proposed tax increases and exposed deep public frustration over the cost of living.
The protests, widely coordinated through social media platforms, were described by participants as spontaneous citizen action; however, some political leaders later suggested that foreign influence was involved.
During questioning, Kagoro reportedly denied any role in organising demonstrations, maintaining that he had travelled to Kenya to attend a family function and participate in a public discussion on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and mineral resources.
He acknowledged interacting with Kenyan civil society actors but denied raising funds for political activity or coordinating unrest.
Investigators nevertheless claim that some events he attended in Nairobi, including governance-related forums and technology meetings, provided opportunities to connect with activist networks.
The officials also examined Kagoro’s reported links with the Open Society Foundation, an international philanthropic organisation founded by financier George Soros.
There have been concerns that foreign donor funding could be used to influence local politics, particularly after the widespread protests witnessed in 2024.
Authorities did not disclose specific evidence but indicated that inquiries into the alleged funding arrangements are ongoing.
Kagoro is a founding member of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and has worked for many years within regional governance and democracy initiatives.
Nairobi has been a regular base for his professional engagements across East Africa.
Officials said the deportation underscores Kenya’s determination to prevent foreign involvement in domestic political mobilisation.
The deportation was preceded by surveillance, which culminated in operations before Kagoro’s interception at the airport.
The lawyer is yet to issue a public statement following his removal from Kenya.
The post Kenya expels Zimbabwean lawyer over alleged role in protest mobilisation appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
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